Steelhawks Drop the Hammer

May 18, 2015 - Professional Indoor Football League (PIFL)
Lehigh Valley Steelhawks News Release

Allentown, PA: The Lehigh Valley Steelhawks (6-2,5-2 PIFL) won the battle of the birds inside the PPL Center as they took down the Alabama Hammers (3-5) 50-31 on Sunday afternoon; it was the first time in franchise history that Lehigh Valley has defeated Alabama. The defense created six turnovers (4 ints, 2 fumbles, 5 turnovers on downs) on the night while holding the Hammers scoreless for more than 42 minutes in the middle of the game.

K Pat Clarke started things off on the right note as he hit his first uno of the night, giving the Steelhawks an early 1-0 lead. Alabama would drive the 45 yards they needed for the touchdown on their first possession; QB Anthony Speight (10 of 17 for 138 yds, 2 tds, 1 int) found WR Mico McSwain (8 catches for 164 yds) for the first of his three touchdowns on a 47 yard pass that he finished with his feet. Lehigh Valley would answer right back as QB Shane McSweeny (51 yds, 3 tds rushing) would run it in from one yard out. Clarke would follow up the touchdown with another uno; giving the Hawks a two point lead. LV's defense would deny Alabama's fourth down pass attempt, giving the Hawks' the ball. On third and goal from the seven then, McSweeny would run a quarterback draw to put the Hawks' up nine. The first quarter would end with that score standing, but the Hammers driving.

Fifteen seconds into the second quarter, Alabama would get their touchdown, a 13 yard touchdown pass from Speight to WR Charles McClain (12 catches for 117 yds). It would be the only scoring possession the Hammers would have until late in the fourth quarter. Lehigh Valley would score 34 unanswered points between the second and fourth quarters when Alabama would finally get on the board. To end the second quarter, WR Brandon Renford (9 catches for 136 yds) would grab two touchdowns and McSweeny would add another rushing touchdown. DB Joe Powell (6.5 tackles, 3 interceptions) would snag two interceptions to stop Hammer drives, and the defense would hold them on fourth and three to create a turnover on downs. At halftime, the score was 36-15 in favor of the home team.

The third quarter was low scoring but not lacking in action. McSweeny (15 of 22-221 yards, 3 tds) would find WR Jerell Jones (3 catches for 41 yds) on an 11 yard touchdown pass. That would be the only points put on the board in the quarter, but the Steelhawks defense would come up big again - LB Chris Alvarez would get a goal line interception. Alabama would have the ball to start the fourth, but their drive would be cut short when DL Larry Ford would get a sack stripping the ball from the quarterback. DL Gerard Bryant (1 sack) would recover the fumble and return it 28 yards for six points. Next, Powell would pick off QB Garrett Sutphen (15 of 26 for 180 yds, 2 tds, 3 ints) on another high flying one handed interception. Alabama would finally score again on a seven yard Sutphen - McSwain catch. McSwain would get another touchdown with thirty-five seconds left in the game and that would do it. Final score: Lehigh Valley Steelhawks 50, Alabama Hammers 31.

The Steelhawks have also completed the Domino's 50 Point Challenge: starting tomorrow, for the next three days Steelhawks fans can get 50% off menu priced pizzas at participating Lehigh Valley Domino's locations. Just use the code SH50.

Powell now has nine interceptions in seven games played, leading the league. The Steelhawks turnover margin now stands at incredible plus 25 (gaining 24 ints, 8 fumble recoveries; losing 6 interceptions and a fumble); the next closest team coming into this week stands at plus five.

The Steelhawks have Memorial weekend off, but are back inside the PPL Center on Embassy Bank field for Friday night lights. They will have a 7:00pm kickoff on, May 29th, taking on the visiting Richmond Raiders. It's Scout Night, the first 1,500 fans through the door will get a Free Steelhawks hat, courtesy of Service Electric.

Tickets to individual Steelhawks games are now available, and now you can pick your exact seat when purchasing online! And season tickets are still available. We hope to everyone inside the PPL Center this season for the Steelhawks 5th season! Keep checking for the latest news and events from the Steelhawks! For further information please call Lehigh Valley Steelhawks Executive Vice President and General Manager Mike Clark at (610) 282-3100, or visit our website at www.lvsteelhawks.com for the latest Steelhawks news! 2015 Season Ticket packages are now on sale! Reserve your seat now by calling the Steelhawks office at 610-282-3100.

Lehigh Valley Steelhawks Quarterback Shane McSweeny

Lehigh Valley Steelhawks vs. Alabama Hammers

Lehigh Valley Steelhawks vs. Alabama Hammers

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Professional Indoor Football League Stories from May 18, 2015

• Steelhawks Drop the Hammer - Lehigh Valley Steelhawks
• Hammers Fall In First Of Three Road Games - Alabama Hammers

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